FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Into D'mentia training based on?

Into D'mentia is based on scientific research in the fields of perception and empathy development. During the development period we worked closely with Prof. M.M. Sitskoorn’s team at the Department of Neuropsychology at Tilburg University and the team working on Psychosocial interventions for people with dementia and their carers under the guidance of Prof. R.M. Droes at the Free University Amsterdam.

Who is the Into D'mentia training especially suitable for?

The training is particularly relevant for carers who care for people with dementia on a daily basis (or will do so upon completion of their studies/training). Naturally this includes volunteer carers and health care professionals who care for people with mild or moderate dementia. But we also have in mind physiotherapists, GPs, case managers, dementia consultants etc.

Is there anyone for whom the Into D’mentia training is not suitable?

The training is not suitable for people who have visual or auditory impairments because the script contains a lot of audio-visual material. Unfortunately the Into D’mentia training is also unsuitable for people in wheelchairs. It is however possible to visit Into D’mentia with a walking frame.

How long does a visit to Into D'mentia last?

The individual session lasts about an hour. The additional group session lasts about three hours.

Is material for the group session available?

A workbook is provided for persons attending the group session. This also describes the underlying theoretical frameworks such as coping-adaptation theory and presence theory. A trainer’s manual and other supporting materials are available for the trainer.

Who supervises Into D'mentia?

Into D'mentia is supervised by specially trained coaches who themselves work in dementia care. As a result, these professionals have a lot of experience with people with dementia and their carers. Many real life examples are used in the training.

Is Into D'mentia unique?

Yes. To experience for yourself in this way how it feels to have dementia is unique. There are some other examples of cognitive simulations, including a psychosis simulator and some simulations of aging. But these are limited to the simulation of physical effects.

Can I use a translated version of the Into D'mentia simulation in my own country?

Yes! If you want to adapt our simulation for use in your own country you can get in touch with us to arrange a licence. We can also share our experience with you and advise you on how the script may need adapting to specific cultural issues within your language area. We can further ensure that you have all the necessary materials so that you can create the simulation in your own country speedily and effectively.